Springwood, New South Wales
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Springwood is a town in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia. Springwood is located 72 kilometres west of Sydney in the local government area of the City of Blue Mountains.

Springwood is in the heart of the Blue Mountains National Park and the Greater Blue Mountains Area World Heritage Site. It is 371 metres above sea level and, like most of the towns in the vicinity, is located on a narrow ridge between two gorges. Winmalee is to the north. Springwood railway station sits between Valley Heights and Faulconbridge on the Blue Mountains railway line.

History

In 1815 Governor Lachlan Macquarie and his wife stopped by what Macquarie called a "spring"- The place was later named "Springwood" - 'Spring' (named after the springs in the area), and 'wood' from the local Mountain Blue Gums (Eucalyptus deanei) of the area^[1]. The main street is named Macquarie Road, after Governor Macquarie.

Springwood features the oldest railway station building in the Blue Mountains, built in 1884^[2].

Springwood Historical Society publish a history of the town^[3].

Commercial Area and Transport

Springwood's commercial area centres around Macquarie Road which runs parallel to the Great Western Highway and the railway line. Springwood railway station is on the Blue Mountains Line of the CityRail intercity network.

Education

The town is serviced by two high schools, Springwood High School and St. Columba's High School (Catholic). Springwood in also serviced by four primary schools: Ellison Public School, Faulconbridge Public School, Springwood Public School and St Thomas Aquinas Primary School (Catholic).

Climate

Springwood generally has mild winters and mild summers, but can suffer bushfire damage during the summer months. It has a rainfall of approximately 1175 mm per year.^[4]. The mean annual maximum temperature is 22°C with the mean maximum in January approximately 28°C and 18°C in July. The mean minimum temperature is 9°C (Bureau of Meteorology). ^[5]

Celebrations and Events

The town's annual celebration, Springwood Foundation Day, occurs each April. Springwood is also the site of a notable ANZAC Day Parade. The Blue Mountains Vietnam Veterans' Association conducts the largest annual parade and Memorial Service for Vietnam veterans in Australasia^[6] at Springwood, on the third Sunday of August, to coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Tourist Attractions

Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum is the home of the oldest remaining roundhouse in New South Wales, located 500 m from the eastern Springwood town boundary.

Population

According to the 2006 Census, there were 8210 people living in Springwood including 3857 males (47.00%) and 4353 females (53.00%). The majority (79.7%) were born in Australia. The indigenous populance of Springwood is 72 or .9% of the total population. ^[7]

References

Coordinates: 33°42′S, 150°33′E